A FUNDING crisis is forcing a Brighton-based charity to close its
operations in East Timor.

Australian Aid International operation director Frank Tyler said it was
vital its East Timor health program continued because there would be an
outbreak of disease and death if the program ended.

He said the non-profit organisation had run out of money following the
shock withdrawal of its sponsor, Perth oil and gas company Oilex.

Mr Tyler said he was trying desperately to raise money to continue its
health care program for Timorese nationals that costs $180,000 a year.

"Oilex agreed to fund the program for five years, but after two
years they have had to cut their funding," he said. Oilex office
manager Maura Hinds said the partnership had achieved "tremendous
results" in East Timor, but that it would now fund the training of
Timorese nationals to suit Oilex's ongoing operations there.

She said there would be a particular focus on developing English
language skills.

Ms Hinds said the project had decreased maternal mortality rates,
infant mortality, and the prevention of treatable diseases in the country.

Mr Tyler said the health program had been backed by East Timor
President Jose Ramos Horta.

Mr Tyler said Oilex had been fantastic in those first two years of
operation, but the charity required $15,000 to remain afloat in the
immediate future.